§ 91. Captain BRACKENBURYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the effect upon the interests of British farmers of the Government importation of Japanese peas; whether he is aware that it was not possible for the farmers to anticipate such action on the part of the Government; and whether the Govern- 1389 ment will in future give facilities to the farmers to obtain information of any intention of the Government to embark upon speculations in foreign agricultural produce?
§ Mr. McCURDYI have been asked to reply. The interests of British farmers have not been prejudiced in any way by the importation of Japanese peas by the Government. In fact, farmers realised considerably higher prices for their peas than they expected when they grew the crop. The transaction in question was not of a speculative character, as the hon. and gallant Member suggests.